Bellingham, WA Northwest Medical Center

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Tips & Advice

This depends on the center. Some may allow brief visits by family members. Patients should ask about visiting rules before inviting people to stop by.

Are patients able to drive home after a procedure at a surgery center?

No. Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them for 24 hours following the procedure.

How long is the usual stay at a surgery center?

This depends on the procedure. Most centers ask that patients arrive one to two hours before the procedure begins. Following the procedure, the patient will stay at the center until fully recovered from being sedated. This may take between one and three hours. After that, if the patient isn't experiencing abnormal pain, he or she may leave.

Are ambulatory surgery centers required to have certification?

Different states have different rules regarding requirements for surgery centers. However, ASCs are required to be certified as a Medicare and/or Medicaid Ambulatory Surgery Center supplier before they enter into an agreement with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

What types of procedures are conducted at a surgery center?

The most common types of procedures conducted at surgery centers are:

Gastrointestinal

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pain management

Some of the most common procedures include:

Cataract surgery

Colonoscopy

Pain injections

How are surgery centers different than hospitals?

Surgery centers only treat patients who have already been to their primary health care provider and have determined that surgery is their best option for treatment. Minors who have a procedure done at a surgery center should have their parent or legal guardian accompany them. Adults should have another responsible adult who can drive accompany them to and from the center, and stay with them after returning home.

Who can accompany a patient to a surgery center?

Anyone can accompany patients, but most choose a close friend or family member. It's recommended that patients have someone to bring them home after the procedure, rather than driving themselves, taking a taxi, or using public transportation.

What is an outpatient procedure?

An outpatient procedure is one where the patient returns home that same day.

Are surgery centers less costly than hospitals?

Yes, surgery centers can be less expensive than hospitals. In some cases, a procedure might cost up to $1,000 less than the same procedure at a hospital. They also allow patients to return to their home more quickly.

Been a business manager for over 25years. Peace Health is the worst business i've ever done business with! bar None. My doctor is very good and i have felt he gave me the best of care, but the business side of peace health blows!!!! I have certain medications that i have taken for years for my heart. They have figured out that if they give me the very minimal prescription ( that I have a co-pay for each time) they, make a percentage each time it is filled. Use to get a 60-90 day refill. Now it's 7 days at a time X my co-pay each time!!! If you can find any other medical facility other than Piece Health DO IT!!!! Gave them 1 Star Because they won't let you give a 1/2!!!

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